Newly elected and outgoing Hong Kong lawmakers have jointly met the media for the first time and pledged to work closely with the government in the aftermath of the deadly Tai Po fire, with the Legislative Council president calling on veteran and new legislators to communicate with one another to serve the city.
“Lawmakers should leverage their professional expertise, networks and resources to work wholeheartedly with the government on the myriad tasks of post-disaster relief efforts and reconstruction,” outgoing Legco president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said as incumbents and elected legislators met the media on Tuesday.
The press event, held two days after the election on Sunday, was the first of its kind and aimed to show solidarity, according to Legco secretary general Dora Wai Pik-yiu.
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Leung said the poll had showcased a healthy, high-quality competition, and urged elected legislators, who had been granted the central government and city’s trust, to swiftly embark on their work.
“When society faces a major disaster, we must demonstrate tremendous determination and courage, press forward despite difficulties, and put residents’ needs first,” he said.
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Leung added that Legco would be responsible for reviewing and amending legislation, approving funding, and pushing for systemic reforms to make Hong Kong a safer city.